The goal is to provide you with the most essential information you need to know on a particular topic in a concise and easy-to-understand format. Rewrite the text to be approximately the same length as the original. Use a formal tone. Have you ever found yourself pondering the significance of the red dot on an Indian woman's forehead, or wondering if all Buddhist monks are skilled in martial arts? Perhaps you've questioned whether the Emperor of Japan is still revered as a divine being. This concise and informative guide provides answers to these and other basic questions about the world's diverse religions. In a series of concise chapters, Winfried Corduan presents an introduction to twelve major world religions, including Baha'i, Buddhism, Christianity, Confucianism, Daoism, Hinduism, Islam, Jainism, Judaism, Parsi, Shinto, and Sikhism. For each religion, he provides a brief overview of its name, adherents, distribution, key symbols, history, sacred texts, core beliefs, subgroups, worship practices, daily rituals, attire, dietary habits, and calendar. The book also includes brief descriptions of sixteen new religious movements and traditional or tribal religions. Designed for students, pastors, and other busy individuals seeking a quick and accurate understanding of contemporary religions, this volume provides essential information in a clear and concise format. The IVP Pocket Reference Series, of which this book is a part, offers a range of accessible and compact volumes on topics including biblical languages, church history, apologetics, world religions, Christian spirituality, ethics, and theology, providing readers with the most vital information on a particular subject in a concise and easy-to-grasp format.